Author: Erik Torkells

February 11, 2023

Leslie Ridley-Tree’s Birnam Wood Home Hits the Market for $7.95 Million

Noteworthy new listings also include the Alta Mesa house with a fabulous turtle-roofed outbuilding; instant escrow in the Upper Village; and four in the twos, including a West Mesa time capsule, a spec reno flip, a conjoined two-bedroom, and a fun backyard. 3

February 10, 2023

The Lack of Sand at Local Beaches

Other recent news: Santa Barbara to allow slightly larger ADUs; Sunstone Cannabis Market to open on upper State Street; the California Coastal Commission dinged Santa Barbara County’s cannabis ordinance; county supervisor says he won't run for reelection; profile of Slo Curio Studio + Gallery; new Goleta Train Depot construction to start this year.

February 9, 2023

Three Pickles Is Opening a Second Santa Barbara Shop

More food news: Gala restaurant has launched dinner service; Na Na Thai is working on a permanent location in Buellton; Azul is opening for real next week; Kaz to Go Japanese restaurant has debuted in San Roque; 4 Eggs & Pizza changed its name; the Drift hotel's café and bar are up and running; more on the forthcoming restaurants at the Inn at Mattei's Tavern. 19

February 8, 2023

State Street’s Drift Hotel Has Opened

Plus: Van Morrison and James Taylor to play the Santa Barbara Bowl; Urgent Veterinary Care opening on De La Vina; the complicated hotel project coming to W. Montecito Street; interior designer Amber Lewis hints about a Santa Barbara shop; wildfire detection camera installed on Ortega Ridge; wonderful little building squandered. 13

Newsletter: February 8

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February 7, 2023

Name That Santa Barbara Building (Part 1)

The folks at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum went through the Gledhill Library collection to find old photos of Santa Barbara so we can play a game: can you identify which buildings these are? 8

February 6, 2023

The Provenance of the Blue Vases Atop the Presidio Plaza Building

Plus: Goleta hotel to be rebranded; health warning lifted for Miramar Beach and Fernald Point Beach; vintage-and-makers collective opening on State Street; neighborhood art-studio tours in Ojai; new show at My Pet Ram gallery; novelist Rachel Cusk in person.

February 5, 2023

A Country Stroll on El Sueno Road

El Sueno Road is just outside Santa Barbara city limits, but it feels farther away—and it makes for a quick, fun excursion. 12

Newsletter: February 5

The Siteline newsletter is the best way to follow the website. To subscribe, click the link at the bottom of this post. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

February 4, 2023

This Is Not Your Grandma’s Park Lane House

Noteworthy new listings also include an interior designer's Mission Canyon home; a beachfront house on Sandyland Road in Carpinteria; nice bones way above San Roque; 1930s charm on the Lower Riviera; and more.